This year marks the 50^thanniversary of SCTE-ISBE, and Cisco is heading down to Cable-Tec in New Orleans to celebrate and showcase the company's innovative thinking and technology advancements. All to help the Cable industry solve today's challenges and get prepared for what's next.

I caught up with Morgan Bondon, Cisco's Vice President of Cable Broadband and Media Sales for the Americas and chatted with him about the opportunity for Cable Operators, Cisco's plans for SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec 2019 and how Cisco will enable the transition ahead of us, and lastly a  rumor I heard about the origin of his name.

Susan: You have been in the Cable industry for several years; what do you see as the top challenges facing cable operators today?

Morgan: Yes, I have literally grown up in the Cable industry and seen many technology and business transitions. This next chapter will be the most significant one to-date! Cable operators have made the transition from delivering video to delivering broadband -which is truly a complete service pipe into the home. Full-stack / Managed Business and wireless services are evolving as is the industry's competition. Customers have choices. Internet of Things, 5G and other technologies will impact the mobile backhaul services operators provide as well. The challenge we all face is making the right choices and offers. The technologies offered today have an immediate operational impact. How, as an industry, we get from A-Z.

Susan: Broadband, business services, and backhaul, great businesses to be in. How does SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo help the Cable industry with technology choices?

Morgan: Cable-Tec Expo is the epicenter for innovative thinking and applied science for the cable broadband industry.  It's more than a tradeshow or conference, it's where industry thought movers and shakers come together to share technical knowledge and gain insight into the future of the industry.

Susan: Tell me about the hot issues and breakthrough technologies Cisco will be sharing at Cable-Tec.

Morgan: This year's theme,Raising the Bar on Technology Innovation, is one that resonates with Cisco. We are always innovating, looking for new ways to solve customer challenges and make the world a better place. Cisco is excited to be a part of the conference program, sharing new thinking on Low Latency DOCSIS, 5G and mobile X-haul, Distributed Access Architecture (DAA)and the evolution of Remote PHY and of course our CTO John Chapman will be leading a discussion on 10G.

Susan: Can you give me a sneak peek of what Cisco will be showing at SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo?

Morgan:  I am so excited to give you a preview!  Cisco has a sustained commitment to all IP networks, DAA and Remote PHY -and how all those developments impact network infrastructure. Our focus this year continues to be around helping our customers make money! B2B is an expanding focus across our North America Customers and we are demonstrating how to monetize those offerings.... always in a secure way! I believe security takes a back seat occasionally when it comes to technology decisions, I think we need to make it forefront on how we approach product offerings in both residential and business architectures.

In our booth, we'll be showcasing how we're advancing the traditional cable networks for a new era of networking. We will have five areas of conversation, with breakthrough technology that will show cable operators how to:

• Transform their network from a traditionally complex analog system into a digital capital-efficient, end-to-end architecture
• Optimize processes and resources so new services can be brought to market fast
• Generate new revenue from business services
• Embrace new wireless services and,
• Protect your network inside and out.

There is no need for operators to wait for new technology or standards to grow revenue. We are working with cable operators now to navigate the myriad of options to transform their network. Moving fast we are unlocking opportunities that reach new and existing customers. Speed to revenue is important for the industry, and there's not another vendor in the world that can match Cisco's portfolio for this transformation.

Susan:  Last question... What is this I hear about you being a British car junkie?

Morgan:  My dad introduced me to British cars when I was a kid. In fact, I'm named for The Morgan, a British company that started in 1909.  The name is a good fit for me because the car is known for its mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. And, it's the longest-running production car in the world!

Susan: Wow, that does sound like you and the role you have been playing in helping to introduce innovation to the Cable Industry. And, taking traditional networks into the next generation.

Thanks for taking the time to give us this preview and looking forward to seeing you in New Orleans. Come visit Cisco at booth#1301 and ask for Morgan, he'll take you on a personal tour!

Can't make it to New Orleans?  Register for this webinarAccelerate the deployment of DAA to learn how you can add scale and agility to your cable access network.